Morning or evening walks are great for seniors to exercise their bones and lungs. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control, daily walks can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke and maintain a consistent weight. Taking daily walks can, however, be challenging, especially as we move into the colder months of the year.
Without the right preparation, seniors can easily forgo their walks and interrupt their routines. However, with the right tips, elders can continue enjoying their daily walks without worrying about the weather.
Below are four great tips that can help fight against the winter's chill and ensure seniors get to enjoy their morning and evening walks without stress.
Layer Up
Wearing multiple clothes is the easiest way to beat the morning chill. It can be an additional jacket, t-shirt, or sweater. This can help the seniors retain the heat produced by their bodies. They can also choose to put on a shawl, an additional pair of socks, a cap, or a scarf to help keep warmer.
With an extra jacket/sweater, seniors can easily take it off if it gets too hot and tie it around their waist without slowing down their walk.
Select the Proper Footwear
Choosing the proper footwear is a simple yet significant precaution to make walking during winter manageable. Most sidewalks may be wet, which can pose a slipping threat to seniors, necessitating that they wear shoes with a firm grip. In fact, sneakers or boots are the most preferred shoes for these types of surfaces. If the grip is not as firm, elders can always add slip-prevention shoe attachments to their boots or shoes to help increase stability and minimize the risk of falls.
Pick a Safe Route
Sidewalks that are not shoveled can also pose a great barrier and threat to morning/evening walks. To overcome this, it is advisable to look for other clear trails. These trails shouldn't have cars and should have minimum obstacles like rocks. Carry a flashlight in case of reduced visibility it becomes darker. They can also wear a reflective jacket when walking on such trails to help motorists identify them in the dark.
Walk with a Caregiver
As winter approaches, daily walks can be challenging and risky. The mornings can be too chilly, posing health risks to seniors with chest problems or asthma. It can also get darker earlier than usual, reducing the senior's visibility and causing threats of tripping or being hit by motorists. As such, seniors should walk with a caregiver. The caregiver will guide the senior and make the walks comfortable. They will also offer assistance in case of a health risk.
Get Quality Senior Care
At Senior Helpers Summerville, we offer quality care to seniors in Summerville, Orangeburg, Santee, Summerton, Ridgeville, and St. Matthews. We ensure all seniors enjoy their aging with comfort and style. Reach out to us today to learn more and enjoy our services.